By Mosa Matela
Bodylove Cosmetics was founded by ‘Malichabeli Moseli, a Maseru-based innovator, to promote healthy and happy skin through the manufacturing of a variety of body care products.
Moseli grew up in on environment that promoted hard work and independence, so it does not come as a shock that she has ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.
Raised by a self-employed and hardworking mother, Moseli believes that entrepreneurship and all things business run through her blood.
Despite receiving three qualifications in medical laboratory science, biomedical technology and bacterial genomes respectively, Moseli was still affected by the high unemployment rate in the country.
This was an eye-opener for her, and showed her that she needs to come up with ways to make a steady income. She chose to do this by dabbling in the cosmetics industry.
“I am a person who loves cleanliness, so when I decided to start a business I naturally gravitated towards the production of cosmetics and detergents,” Moseli explained.
She attended cosmetic and detergent production workshops at Leap and Bound Cosmetics LTD, and earned a certificate for her time there.
As she was learning, Moseli realised that cosmetics is what she’s truly passionate about.
Bodylove Cosmetics produces petroleum jelly made out of blue agave as well as hand lotion and body cream made out of prickly pear.
These products are made with beneficial ingredients that soothe irritated and fragile skin.
Moseli has been in business since August 2023, and is planning on expanding her range by adding more beneficial plants and products to her collection.
Currently, the biggest challenge she faces is acquiring capital and funds to produce products.
“I struggle to produce a large yield of products due to lack of resources and funds. Therefore, I do not go overboard when it comes to marketing. I do not want to bring on more than I can cater for,” Moseli said.
She overcomes this challenge by being realistic and patient with herself, and focusing on the outcome of her products instead of focusing on profits.
She advises up-and-coming entrepreneurs to ‘just start’.
“It might seem impossible by imagination, but it honestly is possible. Money may be a problem, but don’t be afraid to start with what you have.”
Moseli then goes on to urge them to take it out of their minds and into their hands. She believes in letting ideas materialise instead of letting them die.
She caters to the needs of her customers, and is able to make custom orders depending on what the client prefers. For example, the majority of her products are scented, but she will make an unscented product upon request.
Moseli strives for customer satisfaction and is working on having a hundred percent satisfaction rate.
She is in the works of selling her products through MILCO, Sefika Complex, but in the meantime orders may be made through 59793174.
